There’s nothing better than a colorful display of flowers, and come springtime there are a variety of destinations across the globe that show off its best floral varieties. From botanical gardens and impeccably landscaped grounds to a biodiversity trail, these stunning locations offer you a chance to stop and smell the roses. Showcasing blooming tulips, roses and poppies, these are the best places to see colorful flowers around the world.
Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands
Considered the largest flower garden in the world, Keukenhof in the Netherlands is a dream for flower enthusiasts. Its the perfect place to experience gorgeous views of blooming Dutch tulips and other flowers that are famous in the Netherlands. Not far from Amsterdam in Lisse, the park is home to more than seven million flower bulbs and features four pavilions with tulips, daffodils, orchids, roses and many more. Visit in April and May for the best views and tick this off your bucket list.
Halle Forest, Belgium
Each spring, the “Blue Forest” in Halle, Belgium ignites in a carpet of bluebells. You’ll be mesmerized by the forest floor of this Belgian woods, as its dream-like landscape is straight out of a fairytale. Visit from late April to May to see this otherworldly transformation that occurs in its 1,360-acre woods, where you can stroll through winding paths and observe rabbits and deer roam the area.
Jeju Island, South Korea
Marking the end of Korea’s cold winters, Jeju Island boasts the start of springtime with its famed spring flowers. Sprawling up the slopes of Halla Mountain, these bright yellow rapeseed and canola flowers and cherry blossoms are a sight to be seen. Head to Noksan-ro to see both flowers lining the six-mile road, Jeaonnon-ro to experience the famous cherry blossom street or Sanbangsan Mountain for the perfect backdrop.
Yoshino Mountain, Japan
Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture has been Japan’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spot for multiple centuries. Said to have been planted more than 1,300 years ago, the 30,000 cherry trees dot this picturesque mountain and create an impressive display. Admire the trees as they ascend the mountain and spill into Yoshino and its temples, shrines and parks. Visit Naka Senbon Park to picnic under the cherry trees or catch a glimpse of the Yoshimizu Shrine nestled within the florals.
Plateau de Valensole, Provence, France
Plateau de Valensole in Provence, France is nicknamed “lavender country” and offers the perfect place to take a stroll if you want to see and smell these bright purple flowers. The fields stretch as far as the eye can see and boasts more than 300 square miles of lavender fields. After you soak up the views, experience Valensole’s lovely villages with churches, castles and museums.
Carlsbad Flower Fields, California
Located at Carlsbad Ranch in California, the 50 acres of fields here put on a rainbow display of beautiful ranunculus flowers. Set on a hillside overlooking the coastline, it’s not only great for admiring beautiful florals but it also has family-friendly activities like wagon rides and themed events. Explore its 1,500 square foot greenhouse filled with Ecke poinsettias, visit the sweat pea maze and snap photos of the orchid greenhouse.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
A dream for outdoor enthusiasts, Mount Rainier National Park in Washington is also world-renowned for its wildflower meadows. Take a stroll amongst the endless collection of meadows that burst with color in the summertime, where its possible to spot avalanche lilies, asters, daisies, purple shooting stars and many others as they blanket the mountain in an impressive display. A network of 16 trails winds around the meadows, including Paradise and Sunrise, which are two of the best wildflower viewing locations.
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, Oregon
What began as a strip of land in Woodburn just 30 minutes south of Portland has become an iconic tulip-viewing spot. Growing these floral beauties since 1974, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm first opened in 1985. It hosts a popular festival in spring, where visitors stroll through the 40 acres and snap photos of the expansive views of vineyards and Mt. Hood. Each year the varieties are arranged differently in a new pattern.
Kawachi Fuji Gardens, Japan
A private garden in the wooded hills of central Kitakyushu, Kawachi Wisteria Garden is famous for its large number of wisteria flowers. The season peaks around late April to mid-May and the highlight includes two 328-feet-long tunnels made of these beautiful flowers, showcasing a variety of different colors that range from white to dark purple. For the best view of the flowers, climb to the top of the hillside garden and you might also spot the nearby bamboo groves.
Monet’s Garden, France
Claude Monet is one of the most famous painters in the world, known for his water lilies and French Impressionist style. For a chance to experience his paintings in real life, you can explore Monet’s Garden in Giverny, a small village less than 50 miles from Paris. Visit in spring to see the lily pond in full action and admire the famous Japanese bridge covered with wisteria, then see Monet’s cheerful pastel-colored home.
Tidal Basin, Washington, D.C.
Outside of Japan, Washington D.C. is the most famous place to see the blooming cherry blossoms in spring. Offering a stunning display of these beauties in late March and April, a visit here means you’ll be able to experience these white and pastel-pink blooms throughout the city. Some of the best spots to see them is at the Tidal Basin, Jefferson Memorial and along the Potomac River, while those feeling festive can join the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
